Case and case-equipped wireless earphone

Abstract

A case (10) that directly accommodates a wireless earphone has a surface shape that is not symmetrical in a six-sided view of a state in which a case body (12) and a lid (11) are closed. Therefore, it is possible to provide a wireless earphone case that does not take time and effort to handle even when being handled by touch without relying on vision, and a wireless earphone that is provided with such a case.

Description

Case and Wireless Earphones with Case

[0001] The present invention relates to a case that directly accommodates wireless earphones, and wireless earphones with case including such a case.

[0002] In recent years, wireless earphones have become widespread, and among these, wireless earphones that do not have a cable connecting the left-ear and right-ear earphones, and in which each of the left and right earphones independently performs wireless communication with a connection destination device have become popular. Such wireless earphones are also called completely wireless earphones, true wireless earphones, full wireless earphones, and the like. Hereinafter, such wireless earphones are also referred to as TWS (True Wireless Stereo).

[0003] In TWS, the left-ear and right-ear earphones are independent, and do not include relatively large, conspicuous components such as a cable. Therefore, when not in use, one or both of the earphones are easily lost. For the purpose of reducing the possibility of such earphone loss, TWS are often sold as a set with a case that accommodates the left and right earphones. In many cases, such a case includes a rechargeable battery and also functions as a charger. Patent Documents 1 to 4 describe an example of such a case.

[0004] Such a case includes a case main body formed with a recess on which TWS is placed, a lid that forms a closed space for accommodating the TWS together with the case main body, and a lid opening / closing mechanism (for example, a hinge or the like) that connects the case main body and the lid and enables opening and closing of the lid.

[0005] International Publication No. 2020 / 017128, Design Registration No. 1695706, Design Registration No. 1742165, Design Registration No. 1792407

[0006] Incidentally, with the spread of TWS (True Wireless Stereo) headphones, which free users from the hassle of cables, the situations in which users use TWS have become more diverse than before. For example, the number of users who use TWS while lying down is increasing, and consequently, TWS designed specifically for use while lying down are also appearing on the market. Such TWS are sometimes called "sleep headphones."

[0007] When considering a scenario where TWS (True Wireless Stereo) earbuds are used while sleeping, the opportunities to open the case and put the TWS in your ears, or to put the TWS back into the case, naturally increase in the dark, while fumbling around.

[0008] The surface shapes of the cases described in Patent Documents 1 to 4 all possess at least one of the following symmetries when the lid is closed: mirror symmetry and rotational symmetry. By adopting a highly symmetrical shape as the surface shape of the case, the aesthetic appearance of the case can be enhanced.

[0009] Specifically, the case of Patent Document 1 has a surface shape that is mirror-symmetric, as shown in the front and rear views with the lid closed (see Figures 5 and 6). Furthermore, in view of the perspective view shown in Figure 1, as well as the front and rear views described above, the case has a surface shape that is both mirror-symmetric and rotationally symmetric when viewed from above. The case of Patent Document 2 has a surface shape that is both mirror-symmetric and rotationally symmetric when the lid is closed (see the front, rear, left side, right side, top, and bottom views of the charging case). The case of Patent Document 3 has a surface shape that is mirror-symmetric when the lid is closed (see the front, rear, left side, right side, top, and bottom views), as well as a surface shape that is rotationally symmetric (see the top and bottom views). The case of Patent Document 4 has a surface shape that is mirror-symmetric when the lid is closed (see the front, rear, top, and bottom views), as well as a surface shape that is rotationally symmetric (see the bottom view).

[0010] These cases are difficult to open by touch (relying on tactile sense) without relying on sight, and then to take out or put back the TWS (True Wireless Stereo) earbuds. This is because, in order for a user to take out or put back the TWS earbuds, they must go through the following steps: (1) determine the direction in which the case opens by relying on the fine irregularities on the surface of the case, (2) open the lid of the case, and (3) distinguish between the case body and the lid when they are open.

[0011] One aspect of the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a case for wireless earphones that is easy to handle even when handled by touch without relying on sight, and a wireless earphone equipped with such a case.

[0012] To solve the above problems, a case according to one aspect of the present invention is a case for directly housing wireless earphones, comprising: a case body having a recess for placing the wireless earphones; a lid forming a space for housing the wireless earphones together with the case body; and a lid opening and closing mechanism connecting the case body and the lid and enabling the opening and closing of the lid, wherein the case has an asymmetrical surface shape in a six-view drawing of the case body and the lid in a closed state.

[0013] To solve the above problems, a wireless earphone with a case according to one aspect of the present invention comprises the case according to one aspect of the present invention and the wireless earphone, wherein at least a part of the surface shape of the case is based on an animal motif.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a wireless earphone case that is easy to handle even when handled by touch without relying on sight, and a wireless earphone equipped with such a case.

[0015] Figure 1 is a six-view drawing of a case according to one aspect of the present invention, with the lid closed. Figure 2 is a plan view of a wireless earphone with a case according to one aspect of the present invention, showing the wireless earphone with the case removed. Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of the case shown. Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the earphone body shown. Figure 2 is a hardware block diagram of a computer that functions as a control unit and is provided in the earphone body shown.

[0016] <Case Configuration> Figure 1 is a six-view drawing of a case 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, with the lid closed. The case 10 can directly house wireless earphones 20 (Figure 2). Cases that further house or cover cases that directly house wireless earphones 20 (referred to here as outer cases) are also popular on the market. Outer cases are often constructed using at least one of resin and fabric, and their design can be determined independently of the case that directly houses the wireless earphones, resulting in a wide variety of designs. However, unlike such outer cases, case 10 is a case that directly houses wireless earphones 20.

[0017] Case 10 is primarily intended to be sold as a set with the wireless earphones 20. However, it is conceivable that users of the wireless earphones 20 may want to purchase multiple cases 10 in different color variations (i.e., different color variations of the cat motif). In that case, Case 10 may be sold separately from the wireless earphones 20, as a standalone product.

[0018] The case 10 comprises a lid 11, a case body 12, an indicator 13, a hinge 14 (lid opening / closing mechanism), and a USB port 15 (Figure 1). The case 10 also includes a control unit 16 and a secondary battery 17 (Figure 2). The lid 11, together with the case body 12, forms a space for housing the wireless earphones 20. The control unit 16 and the secondary battery 17 are housed in the case body 12. The USB port 15 is located on the back of the case body 12 and is mainly used to charge the secondary battery 17.

[0019] In this embodiment, resin is used as the material that constitutes the surfaces of the lid 11 and the case body 12. The resin that constitutes the lid 11 and the resin that constitutes the main part of the case body 12 are opaque resins. The surface shapes of the lid 11 and the case body 12 may be integrally molded members or may be formed by combining multiple separately molded members. In this embodiment, the surface shapes of the lid 11 and the case body 12 are each composed of multiple members. The material that constitutes the surfaces of the lid 11 and the case body 12 is not limited to resin and can be selected as appropriate. Examples of other materials include metal and glass.

[0020] In Figure 1, the two components that make up the surface shape of the lid 11 are distinguished using shades of grayscale. On the other hand, in Figure 2, these two components are not distinguished and are shown as a single surface shape. Also, in Figure 1, the main part of the case body 12 and the indicator 13 are distinguished using shades of grayscale.

[0021] In this embodiment, the indicator 13 is a light-emitting indicator provided on a part of the case body 12 (specifically, the front). The indicator 13 comprises three LEDs and three optical windows, each of which has three optical windows corresponding to each LED. The three LEDs are housed inside the case body 12 and are not shown in the front view of Figure 1. The three optical windows, on the other hand, are provided in the fish-shaped region shown in the front view of Figure 1. Each optical window is provided to illuminate the outside of the case body 12 with light emitted from each LED. Therefore, each optical window constitutes the surface of the case body 12, but is made of a light-transmitting resin. When each LED emits light, it appears to the user that each of the fish-shaped optical windows shown in the front view of Figure 1 is emitting light. In this embodiment, three LEDs and optical windows are used as the indicator 13. Furthermore, monochromatic LEDs, each with a defined light color, are used. However, the number of LEDs and optical windows constituting the indicator 13 may be one or multiple, and is not limited to that number. Also, the color of the light emitted by each LED may be monochromatic or multichromatic. Even if there is only one LED and optical window, multiple states can be represented by the way the LED lights up and blinks, or by the difference in the color of the light emitted by the LED.

[0022] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the three optical windows constituting the indicator 13 are three optical windows that are identical in size and shape (fish shape). However, the size of each optical window may be different, and the shape of each optical window may also be different, as long as they are based on an object related to an animal (a cat in this embodiment). In addition, the indicator 13 may be provided on the lid 11 instead of the case body 12, or it may be provided on both the case body 12 and the lid 11. In addition, the indicator 13 may be a display panel whose outline is based on an object related to an animal (a cat in this embodiment) (a fish in this embodiment).

[0023] In the six-view drawing (Figure 1) of the case 10 with the case body 12 and lid 11 closed, the case 10 has an asymmetrical surface shape.

[0024] In this embodiment, the lid 11, which is part of the case 10, has a surface shape that is based on an animal motif. However, in one embodiment of the present invention, either the lid 11 or the case body 12 may have a surface shape that is based on an animal motif, or the entire case 10, including the lid 11 and the case body 12, may have a surface shape that is based on an animal motif.

[0025] In the example shown in Figure 1, the lid 11 has a surface shape that represents a cat curled up and sleeping. Because the case 10 is equipped with a lid 11 having such a surface shape, the case 10 has a surface shape that is not symmetrical in the six views shown in Figure 1. In the following, "motif" refers to the main subject that motivated the creation of the design. In other words, using an animal as a motif can also be said to mean using an animal as the subject, representing an animal, imitating an animal, deforming an animal, or using an animal as a concept. A surface shape that uses an animal as a motif is a surface shape that, when a user sees the surface shape, can make the user think of (recall) the animal that served as the motif (in this embodiment, a cat).

[0026] In this embodiment, in both Figure 1 and Figure 2, the case 10 is constructed using a lid 11 and a case body 12, both of which have plain surfaces. However, in one embodiment of the present invention, the surface of at least one of the lid 11 and the case body 12 may be designed by coloring. An example of coloring on the lid 11 is to color it with a cat pattern to match the surface shape of the lid 11, which is based on a cat motif. Examples of multi-colored cat patterns include calico, tabby, tortoiseshell, brown tabby, and mackerel tabby, but the case is not limited to these patterns. The pattern used as a motif may also be a single color, such as black, white, or gray. As for the coloring on the case body 12, it may be a single color, or it may be a pattern based on goods related to the animal (a cat in this embodiment) that is the motif on the lid 11. Examples of goods related to cats include blankets, baskets, bowls, and buckets that cats like to curl up on (or inside).

[0027] Furthermore, the coloring method is not limited and can be selected as appropriate. Coloring methods are broadly classified into external coloring, such as painting, printing, plating, and vapor deposition, and internal coloring, which involves kneading dyes (or pigments) or colorants into the resin itself. In one aspect of the present invention, at least one of external coloring and internal coloring can be used to color the surface of at least one of the lid 11 and the case body 12.

[0028] In this embodiment, the case body 12 does not have a surface shape that is based on an animal. However, not only the lid 11 but also the case body 12 may have a surface shape that is based on an animal, and the case 10 in the six-view drawing with the case body and lid closed may have an asymmetrical surface shape. Alternatively, the lid 11 may not have a surface shape that is based on an animal, while the case body 12 may have a surface shape that is based on an animal, and by equipping the case body with such a surface shape, the case may have an asymmetrical surface shape in the six-view drawing. In this embodiment, the motif is a cat curled up and sleeping, but the cat's posture is not limited to a curled-up sleeping posture; it may be a cat in another posture. Also, it does not have to be a cat; any animal is fine, but considering that sounds will be used as described later, it is preferable to use an animal that makes a sound familiar to the general public. For example, a dog, mouse, goat, frog, dolphin, etc.

[0029] To further describe the surface shape, the surface shape of the lid 11 includes one or more protrusions that are modeled after parts of a cat. The protrusions have shapes that resemble cat ears, tails, etc. In the example shown in Figure 1, the lid 11 is provided with protrusions that resemble the face 111, tail 112, back 113, and ears 114. Note that the parts of the animal represented by the protrusions are not limited to the parts exemplified here. Furthermore, the protrusions may represent features other than body parts of the animal, such as patterns (stripes, etc.) or hair (whiskers, mane, etc.). Also, there may be one or more protrusions.

[0030] As shown in Case 10, the case is modeled after a cat curled up and includes one or more cat-shaped protrusions. Because the surface shape of the case when the lid is closed is asymmetrical, even when handling it by touch without relying on sight, the user who picks up the case can immediately and without hesitation grasp the direction in which the case opens and distinguish between the case body and the lid. Therefore, this case is easy to handle even when handling it by touch without relying on sight.

[0031] In particular, because the lid 11 is shaped like a cat, users of case 10 become aware of cats, and users who have an affection for cats will develop a greater affection for case 10. Furthermore, because there are protrusions that resemble a face 111, tail 112, back 113, and ears 114, users can still be aware of cats even when handling the case by touch without relying on sight. Therefore, the affection users feel for case 10 can be further enhanced.

[0032] The hinge 14 connects the case body 12 and the lid 11 and enables the opening and closing of the lid 11. The hinge 14 is provided on a part of the outer edge region RE that includes the boundary between the case body 12 and the lid 11 (in this embodiment, the back of the case 10, see the back view in Figure 1). The hinge 14 includes a through hole provided on the back of the lid 11, a pair of non-through holes provided on the back of the case body 12 so as to sandwich the through hole provided in the lid 11, and a pin 141 that penetrates the through hole and whose two ends reach the interior of each of the pair of non-through holes. In this embodiment, the pin 141 is made of metal. However, the material constituting the pin 141 is not limited to metal. Furthermore, the configuration of the hinge 14 is not limited to the configuration of this embodiment, as long as it connects the case body 12 and the lid 11 and enables the opening and closing of the lid 11.

[0033] The hinge 14 can limit the freedom of movement associated with opening and closing the lid 11 to rotational motion with the central axis of the pin 141 as the axis of rotation. Therefore, the user can properly close the lid 11 simply by trying to close it, without having to be aware of the relative position of the lid 11 to the case body 12. Thus, a case 10 that can be reliably closed by touch without relying on sight can be provided at an inexpensive price.

[0034] Here, the outer edge region RE is annular, as shown in the plan view and side view of Figure 1. If the position where the hinge 14 is provided within this annular outer edge region RE is designated as the first position, then the aforementioned tail 112 is provided at the second position opposite to the first position.

[0035] By the way, the surface shape of the tail 112 is designed to function as a handle, providing a good grip for the fingers.

[0036] By using the tail 112, which is modeled after a part of a cat, as a handle, a surface shape that is large enough for the user's fingers to easily grip can be naturally provided without compromising the aesthetic appearance of the case. Furthermore, by providing the handle in the outer edge region RE at a position opposite the hinge 14, the user can easily open the lid 11 using the handle. In this way, the case 10 can achieve both an aesthetic appearance in the surface shape and ease of opening the lid 11. In the case 10, the handle is provided only on the lid 11, but it may also be provided only on the case body 12, or on both the case body 12 and the lid 11.

[0037] A light-emitting indicator 13 is provided on the surface of the case body 12. The shape of the indicator 13 is based on an object related to an animal. In this embodiment, the indicator 13 is shaped like a fish, which is a favorite food of cats, in relation to the cat that is the motif of the surface shape of the lid 11. The shape related to an animal is preferably something that the animal likes, but is not limited to food. By providing such an indicator 13, the user can see the object related to an animal even when handling the case in the dark. Therefore, the user's attachment to the case 10 can be further enhanced. The indicator 13 will be described later.

[0038] The case body 12 will be further explained using Figure 2. Figure 2 shows the case 10 with the lid 11 open relative to the case body 12, with the upper side of the drawing. The lower side of Figure 2 shows a plan view of the wireless earphone 20 removed from the case 10. In other words, Figure 2 shows the components of the wireless earphone with case of this embodiment. In short, the wireless earphone with case 1 comprises the case 10 and the wireless earphone 20.

[0039] As shown in Figure 2, the case body 12 is provided with an inner tray 121, and recesses 122L and 122R for placing the wireless earphones 20 are formed in this inner tray 121. The wireless earphones 20 consist of an earphone body 21L and an earphone body 21R. The earphone body 21L is directly housed in the recess 122L of the case body 12, and the earphone body 21R is directly housed in the recess 122R of the case body 12.

[0040] Electrodes 123L and 123R are provided in recesses 122L and 122R, respectively. Electrodes 123L and 123R are connected to a secondary battery 17 provided in the case body 12, supplying power to the earphone body 21L and earphone body 21R. The earphone body 21L and earphone body 21R are provided with electrodes (not shown) that are electrically connected to electrodes 123L and 123R. In short, the case 10 functions as a charger.

[0041] As shown in Figure 1, the case 10 is provided with a USB port 15 on the case body 12.

[0042] Furthermore, the case 10 is provided with a control unit 16. As an example, the control unit 16 is located on the case body 12, as shown in Figure 2. The control unit 16 will be explained using Figure 3.

[0043] (Configuration of the functional blocks in the control unit 16 of case 10) As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 16 includes a charge state detection unit 161 and a light emission control unit 162. Figure 3 also shows the hardware indicator 13.

[0044] A charge state detection unit 161 detects a state of charge (also referred to as SOC) of a secondary battery 17 at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing for detecting the state of charge is not limited and can be determined as appropriate. An example of the predetermined timing is a timing at which a lid 11 of a case 10 is opened. The opening and closing of the lid 11 of the case 10 can be detected by appropriately using existing sensor technology. As an index representing the state of charge, at least one of the voltage of the secondary battery 17 and the relative charge level of the secondary battery 17 can be used. The relative charge level is defined as the ratio of the remaining charge to the charge capacity of the secondary battery. When at least one of the voltage of the secondary battery 17 and a charging material is used as the index representing the state of charge, a method for detecting each of the voltage, charge capacity, and remaining charge of the secondary battery 17 can be selected from existing methods. In the present embodiment, a lithium ion battery is employed as the secondary battery 17. However, the form of the secondary battery 17 is not limited, and can be appropriately selected from commercially available secondary batteries.

[0045] In the present embodiment, a case where the voltage of the secondary battery 17 is used as an index representing the state of charge will be described. In this case, the charge state detection unit 161 is a voltage detection unit that detects the voltage of the secondary battery 17 as the index.

[0046] A light emission control unit 162 causes an indicator 13 to emit light in accordance with the voltage detected by the voltage detection unit. In the aspect where the fish-shaped indicator 13 emits light in accordance with the voltage detected by the voltage detection unit as described above, even when the case 10 is handled in a dark environment, the user can check the voltage (remaining charge) of the secondary battery 17 while visually recognizing the animal-related object. Therefore, the attachment that the user has to the case 10 can be further enhanced.

[0047] In this embodiment, the light emission control unit 162 uses three thresholds: a first threshold TH1, a second threshold TH2, and a third threshold TH3, and controls the light emission mode of the indicator 13 according to the voltage detected by the voltage detection unit. Each of the first threshold TH1, the second threshold TH2, and the third threshold TH3 can be appropriately determined within a range that satisfies the magnitude relationship TH1>TH2>TH3. In this embodiment, 4.2 V, 3.7 V, and 3.3 V are used as the first threshold TH1, the second threshold TH2, and the third threshold TH3, respectively. Each of 4.2 V, 3.7 V, and 3.3 V is a voltage at which the relative charge level can be regarded as 95%, 50%, and 25%, respectively.

[0048] After acquiring the voltage detected by the voltage detection unit, the light emission control unit 162 compares the voltage with each of the first threshold TH1, the second threshold TH2, and the third threshold TH3. When the voltage is equal to or higher than the first threshold TH1, the light emission control unit 162 controls the indicator 13 to light all three LEDs. On the other hand, when the voltage is equal to or higher than the second threshold TH2 and lower than the first threshold TH1, the light emission control unit 162 controls the indicator 13 to light the two LEDs on the left side among the three LEDs. Furthermore, when the voltage is equal to or higher than the third threshold TH3 and lower than the second threshold TH2, the light emission control unit 162 controls the indicator 13 to light the leftmost one LED among the three LEDs. When the voltage is lower than the third threshold TH3, the light emission control unit 162 controls the indicator 13 to blink the leftmost one LED among the three LEDs.

[0049] In one aspect of the present invention, the number of thresholds is not limited to three, and can be appropriately set according to the number of LEDs and optical windows constituting the indicator 13.

[0050] As mentioned above, the charge state detection unit 161 may be configured to detect the relative charge level of the secondary battery 17 instead of detecting the voltage of the secondary battery 17. Even when the charge state detection unit 161 detects the relative charge level, the light emission control unit 162 compares the charge level detected by the charge state detection unit 161 with predetermined thresholds (for example, a first threshold TH1, a second threshold TH2, and a third threshold TH3), and controls the mode of light emission in the indicator 13 according to the charge level. Examples of the first threshold TH1, the second threshold TH2, and the third threshold TH3 in this case include 95%, 50%, and 25%, respectively. However, the number of these thresholds and the charge levels corresponding to each threshold can be determined as appropriate.

[0051] If simplicity in the configuration of the charge state detection unit 161 is important, it is preferable to use the voltage of the secondary battery 17 as an indicator of the charge state. On the other hand, if more accurate understanding of the charge state is important, it is preferable to use the relative charge level of the secondary battery 17 as the indicator.

[0052] Here, each functional block of the control unit 16 (the charge state detection unit 161 and the light emission control unit 162) may be implemented by logic circuits (hardware) formed on an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like, or by software. In this embodiment, the former is used to implement each functional block of the control unit 16.

[0053] <Wireless Earphone Configuration> As shown in Figure 2, the wireless earphone 20 comprises an earphone body 21L and an earphone body 21R. The earphone body 21L and the earphone body 21R are the left earphone body and the right earphone body, respectively.

[0054] The wireless earphone 20 of this embodiment is a wireless earphone in which the left ear and right earphone bodies 21L and 21R each independently communicate wirelessly with the connected device. Such wireless earphones are also called TWS (True Wireless Stereo).

[0055] In order for each of the earphone units 21L and 21R to perform wireless communication independently with the connected device, each earphone unit 21L and 21R is configured identically. Therefore, the hardware configuration will be explained below using the earphone unit 21L as an example, but the earphone unit 21R is configured identically to the earphone unit 21L.

[0056] The wireless earphones 20 employ Bluetooth® as the wireless communication standard used with the connected device. However, the wireless communication standard is not limited to Bluetooth® and can be selected as appropriate.

[0057] (Configuration of the functional blocks of the earphone body) As shown in Figure 4, the earphone body 21L comprises a control unit 22, a storage unit 23, and a speaker 24. The storage unit 23 and speaker 24, which are hardware components, will be described later.

[0058] The control unit 22 includes, as functional blocks, a detection unit 221, a voice selection unit 222, and a voice playback unit 223.

[0059] The detection unit 221 detects the connection status with the target device. The connection status may be either connected or not. The detection method can be the same as that used by conventional wireless earphones to detect the connection status with the target device.

[0060] The audio selection unit 222 selects an audio corresponding to the connection state detected by the detection unit 221, based on the detection result of the detection unit 221. The selection is made by referring to (1) a plurality of audio data representing each of the plurality of cat-related audios described later, and (2) a correspondence relationship 231 that associates the connection state between the earphone body 21L and the device to be connected with each of the plurality of audios. The correspondence relationship 231 is stored in the storage unit 23. Based on the detection result of the detection unit 221, the audio selection unit 222 selects an audio corresponding to the connection state detected by the detection unit 221 from the plurality of audios using the correspondence relationship 231.

[0061] Many wireless earphones use voice messages (e.g., "connected" or "disconnected") or beeps to inform the user of the connection status between the wireless earphones and the device. When a voice message is used to explain the connection status, the user can understand the connection status by understanding the meaning of the voice message. When beeps are used to explain the connection status, the user can understand the connection status based on the correspondence between different types of beeps for each connection status.

[0062] In this embodiment, instead of such a beeping sound, sounds related to cats are used. Specifically, several types of cat meows are used.

[0063] The audio playback unit 223 plays audio data representing the audio selected by the audio selection unit 222. The audio data to be played is output from the speaker 24.

[0064] To distinguish between different connection states, the number of meows, their frequency, and the length of the meows can be used. Furthermore, subtle differences in the nuances of the meows can also be utilized to differentiate between the states. Therefore, it is possible to further enhance the user's attachment to wireless earphones.

[0065] Here are some examples of cat sounds that can be used to distinguish the connection status: When powered on: Meow Pairing: (purring sound) Connection complete: Meow! When connection is lost: Myononon When the battery is running low: Gohaaaan When power is turned off: Meow... In addition to cat meows, other cat-related sounds such as purring or the sound of a bell can also be used.

[0066] (Hardware Configuration) In describing the hardware configuration, we will use the earphone body 21L as an example, out of the earphone body 21L and earphone body 21R.

[0067] The memory unit 23 stores data that shows the aforementioned correspondence relationship 231.

[0068] The speaker 24 is also called a driver. As described above, the speaker 24 outputs audio data representing the audio selected by the audio selection unit 222.

[0069] Each functional block (detection unit 221, audio selection unit 222, and audio playback unit 223) of the control unit 22 provided in the earphone body 21L may be implemented by logic circuits (hardware) formed on an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like, or by software. In the latter case, the earphone body 21L can be configured using one form of computer as shown in Figure 5.

[0070] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a computer 910 that can be used as an earphone body 21L. The computer 910 comprises an arithmetic unit 912, a storage device 913, an input / output interface 915, and a communication interface 916, all connected to each other via a bus 911.

[0071] The arithmetic unit 912 and the storage device 913 may each be, for example, a processor (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and ROM (Read Only Memory). The input / output interface 915 is connected to an input device 920 for the user to input various information to the computer 910, and an output device 930 for the computer 910 to output various information to the user. An example of the input device 920 is a touch sensor. The output device 930 is the aforementioned speaker. The communication interface 916 is an interface for the computer 910 to communicate with an external device (the device to which the earphone unit 21L is connected). The earphone unit 21L employs an interface compliant with the Bluetooth® standard.

[0072] The storage device 913 stores various programs for operating the computer 910 as the earphone body 21L. The arithmetic unit 912 then executes instructions contained in the programs stored in the storage device 913, thereby causing the computer 910 to function as each functional block of the earphone body 21L. The storage device 913 also stores the correspondence relationship 231 described above (a correspondence relationship that associates the connection status between the wireless earphone and the device to be connected with each of the multiple audio signals).

[0073] Furthermore, the recording medium that functions as the storage device 913 and records information such as programs and correspondences may be any "non-temporary tangible medium" that is readable by a computer. Each of the above devices (arithmetic unit 912, storage device 913, input / output interface 915, communication interface 916, input device 920, and output device 930) may be one or multiple.

[0074] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0075] [Summary] The case described in aspect 1 of the present invention is a case for directly housing wireless earphones, comprising: a case body having a recess for placing the wireless earphones; a lid forming a space for housing the wireless earphones together with the case body; and a lid opening and closing mechanism connecting the case body and the lid and enabling the opening and closing of the lid, wherein the case has an asymmetrical surface shape in a six-view drawing of the case body and the lid in a closed state.

[0076] According to the configuration of the first embodiment, since the surface shape of the case when the lid is closed is not symmetrical, even when handling the case by touch without relying on sight, the user who picks up the case can immediately grasp the direction in which the case opens and distinguish between the case body and the lid without any confusion. Therefore, this case is easy to handle even when handling it by touch without relying on sight.

[0077] In the case described in aspect 2 of the present invention, in aspect 1, at least a part of the surface shape may be based on an animal motif.

[0078] Many users have an attachment to animals. According to the configuration of the second embodiment described above, each time the user handles the case, they become aware of the animal that is the motif of at least part of the case. Therefore, it is possible to increase the user's attachment to the case.

[0079] In the third aspect of the present invention, the surface shape may include one or more protrusions that are modeled after a part of the animal, in the first or second aspect.

[0080] According to the configuration of the above embodiment 3, even when handling the case by touch without relying on sight, the user can still be aware of the animal. Therefore, the user's attachment to the case can be further enhanced.

[0081] In the case described in embodiment 4 of the present invention, in any of embodiments 1 to 3, the lid opening and closing mechanism may be a hinge provided in a part of the outer edge region including the boundary between the case body and the lid.

[0082] The hinge is simple in structure as a lid opening and closing mechanism that connects the case body and the lid and enables the lid to be opened and closed. Furthermore, the hinge can limit the degree of freedom of movement associated with opening and closing the lid to rotational motion with the central axis of the pin as the axis of rotation. According to the configuration of the above embodiment 4, the user can properly close the lid simply by trying to close it, without being aware of the relative position of the lid to the case body. Therefore, a case that can be reliably closed by touch without relying on sight can be provided at an inexpensive price.

[0083] The case described in embodiment 5 of the present invention may, in embodiment 4, have a handle provided in the area included in the outer edge region on either or both of the case body and the lid, and the surface shape of the handle may be modeled after a part of the animal.

[0084] The case described in Patent Document 2 does not have a protrusion that functions as a handle for opening and closing the lid. This is likely because the case was designed with aesthetics as the priority. Therefore, while this case achieves a surface shape consisting of smooth curves, it requires the user to rely on friction between their fingers and the surface of the case to open the lid.

[0085] In the cases described in Patent Documents 3 and 4, a recess is provided as a surface shape that functions as a handle, to improve the grip of the fingers. However, when a recess is provided on a part of a surface shape consisting of a smooth curved surface, a compromise must be sought between aesthetics and ease of opening the lid.

[0086] Thus, in conventional cases, it was difficult to achieve both aesthetic appeal and ease of opening the lid.

[0087] In contrast, according to the configuration of embodiment 5, the surface shape of the handle has a shape that is modeled after a part of an animal. Therefore, by appropriately selecting a part of an animal to use as a motif, a surface shape of a size that is easy for the user's fingers to grip can be naturally provided without compromising the aesthetic appearance of the case. Thus, it is possible to achieve both the aesthetic appearance of the case and ease of opening the lid.

[0088] In the case described in embodiment 6 of the present invention, in embodiment 5, the outer edge region is annular, and the handle may be provided at a second position in the outer edge region opposite to the first position where the hinge is provided.

[0089] According to the configuration of the above embodiment 6, the user can easily open the lid using the handle.

[0090] The case according to embodiment 7 of the present invention may further include, in embodiment 2, a light-emitting indicator provided on at least one surface of the case body and the lid, the indicator being modeled after an object related to the animal.

[0091] According to the configuration of the above embodiment 7, even when handling the case in the dark, the user can see the animal-related objects. Therefore, the user's attachment to the case can be further enhanced.

[0092] The case described in embodiment 8 of the present invention further comprises a secondary battery and a control unit in any of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the control unit comprises a charge state detection unit for detecting the charge state of the secondary battery and a light emission control unit for illuminating the indicator according to the charge state detected by the charge state detection unit.

[0093] According to the configuration of embodiment 8, even when handling the case in the dark, the user can check the charge status of the secondary battery while visually identifying animal-related objects. Therefore, the user's attachment to the case can be further enhanced.

[0094] The wireless earphone with a case according to embodiment 9 of the present invention comprises a case according to any of embodiments 2 to 8 and the wireless earphone.

[0095] The wireless earphone with a case according to embodiment 9, configured as described above, has the same effect as the case according to embodiment 2.

[0096] The wireless earphone with a case according to embodiment 10 of the present invention, in embodiment 9, comprises a storage unit and a control unit, wherein the storage unit stores (1) a plurality of audio data each representing a plurality of sounds related to the animal, and (2) a correspondence relationship that associates the connection state between the wireless earphone and the device to be connected with each of the plurality of sounds, and the control unit may comprise a detection unit that detects the connection state, an audio selection unit that selects an audio corresponding to the connection state detected by the detection unit from the plurality of sounds by referring to the correspondence relationship, and an audio playback unit that plays audio data representing the audio selected by the audio selection unit.

[0097] Many wireless earphones use voice messages (e.g., "connected" or "disconnected") or beeps to inform the user of the connection status between the wireless earphones and the device. When a voice message is used to explain the connection status, the user can understand the connection status by understanding the meaning of the voice message. When beeps are used to explain the connection status, the user can understand the connection status based on the correspondence between different types of beeps for each connection status.

[0098] In contrast, according to the configuration of the above embodiment 10, each connection state is pre-associated with each of the multiple animal-related sounds, and the user can understand the connection state based on each of the multiple animal-related sounds. Therefore, users of this wireless earphone with case have the opportunity to be aware of animals not only when they look at or touch the case, but also while using the wireless earphone. Thus, it is possible to increase the user's attachment to the wireless earphone in addition to the case.

[0099] In the wireless earphone with case described in embodiment 11 of the present invention, each of the plurality of sounds related to the animal may be the animal's cry.

[0100] In conventional wireless earphones, when beeping sounds are used to distinguish between different connection states, factors such as the number of beeps, the frequency of the beeps, and the length of the beeping period are utilized.

[0101] In contrast, according to the configuration of embodiment 11, since animal sounds are used instead of beeps, the number of animal sounds, their cycle, and the length of their duration can be used to distinguish between each connection state. Furthermore, differences in the nuances of the sounds can also be used to distinguish between each connection state. Therefore, it is possible to further enhance the user's attachment to the wireless earphones.

[0102] 1 Wireless earphones with case 10 Case RE Outer edge area 11 Lid 111 Face 112 Tail (handle) 113 Back 114 Ears (protrusions) 12 Case body 121 Inner tray 122L Recess 122R Recess 123L Electrode 123R Electrode 13 Indicator 14 Hinge (lid opening / closing mechanism) 141 Pin 15 USB port 16 Control unit 161 Charging status detection unit 162 Light emission control unit 17 Secondary battery 20 Wireless earphones 21L Earphone body 21R Earphone body 22 Control unit 221 Detection unit 222 Voice selection unit 223 Voice playback unit 23 Memory unit 231 Correspondence 24 Speaker

Claims

1. A case for directly housing wireless earphones, comprising: a case body having a recess formed therein for placing the wireless earphones; a lid forming a space for housing the wireless earphones together with the case body; and a lid opening and closing mechanism connecting the case body and the lid and enabling the opening and closing of the lid, wherein the case has an asymmetrical surface shape in a six-view drawing of the case body and the lid in a closed state.

2. The case according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the surface shape is based on an animal motif.

3. The case according to claim 2, wherein the surface shape includes one or more protrusions that are modeled after a part of the animal.

4. The case according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the lid opening and closing mechanism is a hinge provided in a part of the outer edge region including the boundary between the case body and the lid.

5. The case according to claim 4, wherein one or both of the case body and the lid are provided with a handle located in the area included in the outer edge region, and the surface shape of the handle is modeled after a part of the animal.

6. The case according to claim 5, wherein the outer edge region is annular, and the handle is provided at a second position in the outer edge region opposite to the first position where the hinge is provided.

7. The case according to claim 2, further comprising a light-emitting indicator provided on at least one surface of the case body and the lid, the indicator being modeled after an object related to the animal.

8. The case according to claim 7, further comprising a secondary battery and a control unit, wherein the control unit comprises a charge state detection unit for detecting the charge state of the secondary battery and a light emission control unit for emitting light from the indicator according to the charge state detected by the charge state detection unit.

9. A wireless earphone with a case, comprising the case described in claim 2 or 3, and the wireless earphone.

10. The wireless earphone with a case according to claim 9, comprising: a storage unit and a control unit, wherein the storage unit stores: (1) a plurality of audio data each representing a plurality of sounds related to the animal, and (2) a correspondence relationship that associates the connection state between the wireless earphone and the device to be connected with each of the plurality of sounds, and the control unit comprises: a detection unit for detecting the connection state, an audio selection unit for selecting an audio corresponding to the connection state detected by the detection unit from the plurality of sounds by referring to the correspondence relationship, and an audio playback unit for playing audio data representing the audio selected by the audio selection unit.

11. Each of the plurality of sounds related to the animal is the animal's cry, as described in claim 10.

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